CFL energy-saving lamps - compact fluorescent - are a hybrid of incandescent and fluorescent lamps. They can be used in luminaires for LON and fluorescent lamps. In connection with the development of technology in
In the field of material processing, lighting manufacturers were able to give products curved shapes and significantly reduce their diameter. All this allowed to significantly reduce their
overall dimensions. As a result, CFL lamps have the energy efficiency of fluorescent lamps and the small size of standard incandescent bulbs. Due to the high efficiency and long life of these devices, many people prefer to use them for lighting their homes.
Structurally, CFL lamps consist of an electronic circuit built into the base of the product, and a curved U-shaped or screw-shaped discharge tube. Light in such products arises from a discharge that causes the glow and ionization of mercury vapor.
CFL specifications:
1. The power of the lighting device. The energy conversion efficiency of CFLs is several times higher than that of incandescent bulbs, respectively, and the power of such lamps is several times less.
2. Type of cap. The most popular in Russia and the CIS countries are a standard screw base (KLL lamp E27) and a reduced diameter “candle” (E14 lamp). Imported products have other types of caps, so before buying, you must carefully read the product information.
3. Color temperature. Mostly sell three types of color lamps:
- neutral white (they are recommended for use in office
and administrative premises);
- warm white (intended for residential premises);
- white daylight.
4. Color rendering coefficient. This indicator indicates the naturalness of the lighting of the CFL lamp compared to the standard. The maximum value of this coefficient is 100 Ra, which means that lamps with this value give the most natural light.
The main advantages of KKL are low energy consumption and bright glow.
Now let's talk about the disadvantages of the CFL lamp:
- One of the main disadvantages of such products is the presence of mercury. Such lamps cannot be thrown away, they must be taken to special recycling points. But have you seen such items anywhere? And the mentality of our person does not allow him to spend
time for such nonsense, he just throws it in the trash. As an example: if such a lamp is broken in a garbage chute, then the level of mercury in the entrance will exceed the norm by 200 times.
- The harmfulness of such light to the eyes. For many people, CFL light causes headaches, fatigue, etc.
- Flickering (or stroboscopic effect) is contraindicated in people prone to epilepsy. On an industrial scale, this phenomenon is fought by connecting several lamps with a phase shift of 120 degrees. In everyday life it is practically impossible to do.
- High noise level. With prolonged use, an acoustic background occurs, which is sometimes loud enough to cause discomfort.
- Smell. Oddly enough, fluorescent lamps can emit harsh and unpleasant odors.
So we examined the main characteristics of CFL lamps. Whether or not to buy such lighting devices is up to you.